EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that activates your brain’s natural memory processing mechanisms to help you better understand and cope with trauma. At Happy Apple, based in Columbus Circle, Manhattan, and serving Midtown, Central Park South, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side of New York City, Maggie Vaughan, MFT, PhD, and the team provide EMDR therapy often used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated conditions like depression and anxiety. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn if you can benefit from EMDR therapy today.

How does eye movement desensitization and reprocessing work? 

EMDR therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy technique that can help you more effectively process traumatic memories and distressing experiences in your life. 

During EMDR therapy, your therapist guides you through recalling specific memories or experiences using rhythmic stimulation, prompting you to use side-to-side eye movements as you do so. These movements may seem random, but they facilitate your brain’s ability to process those memories in a less distressing way than you would otherwise. 

Typically, EMDR therapy follows a formula and takes place during multiple regular sessions at Happy Apple. During your initial visit, the team takes your mental health history and plans your treatment. The treatment is designed to reduce negative emotions and reactions related to your traumatic memories and experiences over time. 

Who can benefit from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing?

EMDR therapy can help treat a variety of common mental health disorders, but it’s primarily recommended for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a condition that arises in the weeks or months after a traumatic experience or event, causing symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and avoiding reminders of your trauma. 

The team at Happy Apple might also recommend EMDR sessions as treatment for:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Dissociative disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

EMDR therapy ultimately helps you reframe your memories and reduce the overwhelming feelings that come with them. You might find it to be less stressful than other forms of therapy that aim to address trauma head-on. 

What are the benefits of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy?

All types of evidence-based psychotherapy strategies have established their places in modern mental health care for a reason. EMDR therapy, like other forms of therapy, has distinctive benefits for many people who use it. 

Alongside other comprehensive mental health care, EMDR therapy might offer you:

• Reducing feelings of distress associated with specific memories
• Reframing of traumatic memories
• Empowering you to make other changes in life
• Increasing your communication and openness with your therapist
• Reducing stress associated with going through therapy

You may need to try several therapeutic approaches before finding one that works well in your case. The team at Happy Apple can tell you if EMDR therapy is a good fit according to your circumstances. 

Call Happy Apple or book an appointment online to consult with the team about EMDR therapy today.